Choose tooth-friendly snacks at the movies

By Kimberly Hayes TaylorThe Detroit News

Saturday

Jun 27, 2009 at 8:00 AM

Grabbing a pail of popcorn, a handful of gummy bears and a large pop to sip is traditional fare at the movie theaters, but dentists warn that these snacks can wreak havoc on teeth and advance tooth decay.

“It’s hard to resist a concession stand at the movie theater and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying treats in moderation, but excessive consumption of sugar is a huge factor in tooth decay,” says Dr. Jed Jacobson, chief science officer and senior vice president of Delta Dental of Michigan.

Scarier than Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria that causes tooth decay, is that popcorn, a staple for moviegoers, can crack teeth and rip out fillings.

“The unpopped kernels have such strength, one bite can fracture teeth and fillings,” Jacobson says.

This summer, while enjoying “Land of the Lost,” “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 ” and other blockbusters, Delta Dental offers these tips for healthy teeth:

Have a nutritious meal or snack prior to going to the movies to avoid overindulgence.

Stick with candies that have sugar substitutes that are less harmful to teeth.

Choose chocolates that melt quickly and are easy to brush away.

Avoid long-lasting hard candies that cause an acid attack on the teeth while they are in the mouth and another 20 minutes after melting. “These are the worst because they stick to the tooth surfaces, and so do gumballs that slowly melt in your mouth like a lollipop,” Jacobson explains.

Avoid gummy or sticky treats that may uproot fillings and damage dental work.

Opt out of a super-sized soft drink — not only will you avoid dozens of tablespoons of sugar, but you won’t have to miss the best parts of the movie by taking a trip to the restroom.

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